Custom
Car Covers For Extreme Weather

Custom
car covers come in a whole range of fabric types and styles to accommodate
all possible requirements, from indoor dust protection to outdoor extremes of
rain, sun, and heat. So before you buy, you should be clear about the level and
type of protection you are seeking. Read on, and we'll help sort out the options,
and point you to the best sources and prices for top-rated custom car covers.

A custom car
cover is the first priority if you seek the best protection possible. The best
covers are custom made to fit the exact year, make, and model of your car.

The
snug, tailored fit keeps out more harmful elements, and makes them more stable
during heavy wind and storms than a standard vehicle cover. Less fabric movement
also means much less abrasion against the finish of your car.

Car
Cover Qualities For Extreme Weather

Among
custom-fit covers for cars and trucks, there are three types of fabric protection
that should be considered, and matched to your specific weather environment: water
resistance, sun protection, and 'breatheability'.

Water
& Snow Resistance: The tight fit of a custom cover is especially effective
made at keeping out wind-driven rain, and heavy snows. Clean rain water itself
(not acid rain) won't hurt a vehicle's finish - it's the pollutants and dirt that
get through the fabric that cause damage. Keeping the car as dry as possible will
keep it cleaner and fresher looking.

UV/Heat
Protection: There's nothing like the intense summer sun to fade paint,
and destroy the plastic and vinyl of your car or truck interior. This is a special
problem for those in the sun belt, and others who's vehicles are exposed to long
days of sun and heat.

Breathable
Fabric: Vehicle covers that breathes to let moisture or condensation escape
from under the cover, are extremely important in areas of high humidity, or long
periods of wet weather. Even without rain, condensation can build up under a cover.
A fabric that breathes also reduces heat build-up on hot days.

Custom
Car Covers: The Top 5

WeathershieldThere
is no better car cover for moisture and snow protection. Made by Covercraft, Weathershield
is constructed with a polymer impregnated woven polyester fabric, and is 98% water
repellant. Weathershield® car covers are the lightest of the five covers reviewed
here, and folds into a 1' x 1' bundle for easy storage. It is just as good for
UV protection as for water repellency. The Weathershield HD is a high Density
(HD) version of the standard, and is even better for vehicles in intense-sun climates
and coastlines.

StormproofThe
Stormproof car cover uses a unique material from Japan: a woven microscopic yarn
that is both highly water repellant, fade resistant, and forms an excellent barrier
to UV rays. We give it a 'Top 5" status because the material has no chemical
or fiber coatings to wear off. Therefore the Stormproof will provide the same
level of protection throughout its life. The material is very soft on the car's
finish, and comes with a 4 year warranty.

QuicksilverThis is also a very lightweight custom car cover, that provides
a tough shield against rain and UV radiation. It has a shimmering metallic surface
that looks great, repels heat, and makes water bead up like a fresh wax job. The
150-denier polyester is the same material used on many outdoor canopies, and is
reinforced with polyurethane and acrylic coatings. But the most compelling reason
to consider the Quicksilver : a lifetime warranty.

SunbrellaThe acrylic fabric of Sunbrella car covers are naturally UV
resistant, and very durable under long seasons of harsh sun. It is a premium fabric
that is often used for awnings, patio furniture, and marine covers. But a Sunbrella
car cover will also give you excellent protection from water and snow. And although
it is the most expensive choice, you'll get a 5 year warranty. Under intense heat
and sun, Sunbrella will outlast almost any other material.

UltraguardAnother custom vehicle cover, the Ultraguard, uses two outer
layers of woven polyester to shield a car from both rain and UV radiation. And
it is fully breathable. A soft inner lining adds a gentle touch to the car's finish.
Includes antennae grommet, mirror pockets, and good wheel coverage. This car cover
has a 4 year warranty.